Organizers: Anna MacKinnon (University of Montreal) & Tasmia Hai (University of Manitoba)
Date & Time: May 18, 2026 – 9 AM to noon
Location: Hotel Bonaventure
Ticket price: Registration is free but required
This integrated knowledge exchange event will bring together researchers, clinicians, and trainees to advance the inclusion of social determinants of health (SDoH) in neuroscience. Through an interactive format, the session will highlight why understanding social, environmental and familycontext is essential for interpreting brain development and health outcomes, moving beyond traditional biological markers. Participants will explore the current state of SDoH integration in neuroimaging research, engage with a sociological framework for measuring these factors, and see practical applications across diverse datasets spanning perinatal development, childhood ADHD, and adult mental health. The event will culminate in the launch of guidance documents and digital tools designed to help researchers incorporate SDoH into their own pipelines. The session would also include interactive feedback opportunity to identify barriers, facilitators, and opportunities for implementation. By combining evidence, theory, and hands-on resources, this event aims to foster collaboration, identify implementation challenges, and promote more equitable and context-sensitive neuroscience research.
Co-Chairs :
- Anna MacKinnon, University of Montreal
- Tasmia Hai, University of Manitoba
Presenters:
- Rachel Cluett & Amy Jolin, McGill University; Students of Dr Tasmia Hai
- Marlo Naish & Ella Sahlas, McGill University; Students of Dr Boris Bernhardt
- Enzo Cipriani, University of Montreal; Student of Dr. Robert-Paul Juster
- Selina Belair, University of Laval; Student of Dr. Anna MacKinnon